Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sparked outrage after appearing to completely dismiss the results of the U.S. presidential election on Tuesday, saying that “There will be a smooth transition to a second Trump administration.”
Pompeo’s remarks came in response to a reporter asking if the State Department is prepared to engage with President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team and if not engaging in that process promptly could pose a threat to national security.
The rest of his remarks were vague.
“The world is watching what’s taking place,” the Secretary of State said. “We’re going to count all the votes. When the process is complete, there will be electors selected. There’s a process. The Constitution lays it out pretty clearly. The world should have every confidence that the transition necessary to make sure that the State Department is functional today, successful today and successful the way the president who’s in office on January 20, a minute after noon, will also be successful.”
Watch the video and some of the reactions below:
.@SecPompeo: "There will be a smooth transition to a second Trump administration."
Full video here: https://t.co/6Rou91HQxv pic.twitter.com/MU9Gp2QWnq
— CSPAN (@cspan) November 10, 2020
At this point the GOP are committing treason and actively in a coup against our Democracy.
Arrest Pompeo!
— I VOTED 🗳️ – 0xdemosthenes (@0xdemosthenes) November 10, 2020
This is alarming to say the least. The American people have spoken. While votes are still being counted, the margins clearly indicate Biden won the election. The Secretary of State should not be in the business of subverting the will of the people.
— Midwin Charles (@MidwinCharles) November 10, 2020
We need to activate our military or something… what’s the protocol for a threat to democracy, a coup?
— Chris (@TheDude9737) November 10, 2020
It’s becoming increasingly clear that Trump, his Cabinet, and the Republican Party are going to completely ignore the election result.
They appear to be orchestrating a slow-moving coup d’état.
— Adam Lockett (@AdamLockett34) November 10, 2020
Call it what it is, fascism. Every outlet needs to stop airing this and start calling it what it is. These people are dangerous and know exactly what they are doing.
— Jenna 🐾 (@jennnaababe) November 10, 2020
This guy is most definitely asking for a Civil War. They think they will control the military. That’s the reason they fired Defense Secretary. It’s a COUP!
— WeSee (@Tanja2024) November 10, 2020
Treasonous – but he has the backing of the GOP. When will Republicans such as @BenSasse, @MittRomney @GeorgeWBush going to finally speak out and say they will not allow a treasonous coup – but I guess they all are complicit.
— Bee Gutjahr (@pixiemenace) November 10, 2020
This is not funny any more.
I can't believe this what the Republican party has become. They r no different from the Maduro they like to criticise. WTF!
— कपटी (@arXiv6174) November 10, 2020
They are attempting to change the electoral college votes. This is frightening.
— Missy (@theMalbert) November 10, 2020
How in the right mind can he say something so treacherous. What the actual fuck is happening
— Midnight Thoughts (@lazarus4917) November 10, 2020
It's not going to be very smooth w/ 70 million people marching on Washington. He might want to rethink his position on this.
— Chris Abouzeid (@gripemaster) November 10, 2020
